Dr. Dick Thompson

[Chuck B.]

Dr Dick Thompson "the flying dentist" passed away on 9/14 of natural causes.
He was 93 years of age?
Thanks for the memories Dr Dick.

[Rick A.]

Re: Dr. Dick Thompson

We lost another one of the "good guys" - RIP

[John D.]

Re: Dr. Dick Thompson

God Bless Dr. Dick. When I was a very young man I watched Doc race at the Connesville Airport in PA. I remember how he used to shift gears. Most of the drivers abused the 4 speeds and suffered when the tranny was scattered. Doc shifted slow and positive. No full throttle shifting.
Another memory almost forgotten. He had a long life. RIP Doc.

I was on the pit crew for Dr. Donald Blatchley who drove a Grady Davis Gulf Car. He was close pals with Dr. Mike McCagh here.
Blatchely dressed in full costume in the old days. All White and flashy.
Where did the time go friends???

[Mike M.]

Re: Dr. Dick Thompson

about 20 years ago, the Midatlantic chapter had a meet at summit point W.Va motorsport complex. Dr Thompson was the guest of honor. he drove my 57 white 283 HP vet around the course. it was an experience i'll take to my pine box. what a gentleman. RIP Dr Thompson. about 5 years ago, the cremains of donna mae mims were scattered over the cumberland airport(scene of the scca nationals back in the 50's thru early 70's). the pink lady's remains were tossed from the same white corvette at speed.every time i remove the seats from the 57, bone particles surface on the floor pan. needless to say, i'll never dispose of cremains out of a roadster AT SPEED as they immediately return to the cockpit. mike

[Joe R.]

Re: Dr. Dick Thompson

Mike, John, Rick,

All good memories and great stories. Those stories need to be in book form so the generations can enjoy them as we have.
May our old friends rest in peace.

JR

[Loren L.]

Re: Dr. Dick Thompson

The Flying Dentist, consummate gentleman, fierce competitor and perhaps the best actor Corvette racing ever had. To even imagine him at Pebble Beach, meeting a Chevrolet truck with a car, a spare engine and other parts, "Ed Cole's personal mechanic" Frank Burrell from MI and a car he had never even seen before that moment and convincing the world that he had purchased it. That's Styling with a capital "S" for Superman. RIP.

[Mark H.]

Re: Dr. Dick Thompson

Here's a video of him being interviewed I believe at Laguna Seca. You'll probably have to turn it up, it's hard to hear his answers but bear in mind, at the time of this he was probably 88 or 89 years old:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHxhJ62JoSQ

[John N.]

Re: Dr. Dick Thompson

Two pictures of Dick Thompson in my 56 Sebring car at Monterey in 2002.